# Explain why the concentration of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere has increased since the Industrial Revolution, and describe how this increase contributes to climate change.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1) — 2.3 Gases in the atmosphere · Explain · 4 marks

> Carbon dioxide is one of several greenhouse gases found in the Earth's atmosphere. Since the Industrial Revolution, its concentration has risen significantly.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Increased combustion of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
2. Increased deforestation means fewer trees/plants to remove carbon dioxide by photosynthesis
3. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that traps infra-red radiation from the Earth's surface
4. This leads to an increase in the temperature of the Earth's atmosphere, causing climate change

## Key terms

- [climate change](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/climate-change)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-the-concentration-of-carbon-c955b70b) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.